Community Counselor- AOC Restoration - Tempe, AZ (Open Hearts - Tempe)

Looking to build a lasting career? Join a team that is inclusive and embraces all individuals. Intermountain Centers is one of the largest statewide behavioral health and integrated care organizations in Arizona. What does building a lasting career look like?

• Top-level compensation packages
• Exceptional health, dental, and disability benefits
• Career and compensation advancement programs
• Student loan forgiveness programs
• 401k company match
• Bilingual pay differential
• Holiday, PTO and employer paid life insurance
• Clinical licensure supervision and reimbursement
• Evidence-based treatment approaches, training, and supervision.

Intermountain Centers and its statewide affiliates are currently recruiting career-minded individuals interested in opportunities within the largest adult and child service continuum in Arizona.

Position Summary

The Juvenile Competency Restoration Specialist provides court-ordered restoration education services to youth who have been found incompetent to proceed in court. The Restoration Specialist delivers structured educational services designed to help juveniles understand legal proceedings, develop the ability to assist counsel, and regain competency in accordance with Arizona statutes and Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) standards.

The Restoration Specialist works collaboratively with the assigned Mental Health Expert (MHE), probation officers, and families to implement individualized restoration education plans and support youth engagement throughout the restoration process.

Essential Job Duties

Service Delivery
• Provide competency restoration education services to juveniles a minimum of two times per week in person or via secure video conferencing in accordance with AOC standards.
• Utilize the Juvenile Mental Competency Restoration Handbook as a guide for teaching competency concepts including courtroom roles, legal procedures, and the ability to assist legal counsel.
• Deliver instruction using developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed teaching methods.

Restoration Planning
• Participate in initial consultation with the assigned Mental Health Expert (MHE) within five (5) business days of referral.
• Review the court competency evaluation report and collaborate with the MHE to identify competency deficits.
• Develop individualized Restoration Education Plans that address specific competency areas and learning needs.
• Update restoration plans every 90 days or as clinically indicated.

Youth Engagement
• Establish rapport with youth and utilize strategies that support engagement, motivation, and learning.
• Adapt instructional methods to meet the youth's developmental stage, cultural background, cognitive ability, and learning style.
• Promote youth participation and reinforce understanding of court processes.

Documentation
• Document all services in the electronic health record (MyAvatar) within 24 hours of service delivery.
• Progress notes must include:

o Service modality (telemedicine or in-person)

o Youth location

o Competencies addressed

o Youth engagement

o Plan for next session

o Barriers to progress

o Prognosis and anticipated discharge date
• Maintain records of attendance, restoration plans, consultations, and progress notes in accordance with AOC documentation standards.

Consultation
• Participate in ongoing consultation with the MHE at least every fourteen (14) calendar days.
• Discuss youth progress, barriers to competency, and probability of restoration.

Safety and Crisis Response
• Develop a Crisis Plan during the initial session with the youth and family.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques and follow agency safety protocols when behavioral escalation occurs.

Collaboration
• Coordinate with probation officers, families, and community providers as needed to support youth progress.
• Assist youth and families in accessing community-based resources when appropriate.

Compliance
• Ensure all services comply with AOC Service Specifications, Arizona statutes (ARS § 8-291.01 through 8-291.11), and confidentiality laws.

Required Qualifications
• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate
• Experience working with adolescents, preferably justice-involved youth
• Knowledge of adolescent development and behavioral health principles
• Ability to deliver educational instruction in structured and engaging formats
• Ability to maintain professional documentation and confidentiality standards

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with court-involved youth
• Training in trauma-informed care
• Experience in behavioral health, education, or juvenile justice settings
• Knowledge of competency restoration principles

Intermountain Centers is an equal opportunity employer. Intermountain Centers does not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, creed, tribal affiliation, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, socio-economic status, claims experience, medical history, physical or intellectual disability, ability to pay, source of payment, mental illness, and/or cultural and linguistic needs, as well as any other class protected by law.